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The role of union health and safety representatives during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A case study of the UK food processing, distribution, and retail sectors

Author

Listed:
  • Minjie Cai
  • Sian Moore
  • Chris Ball
  • Matt Flynn
  • Ken Mulkearn

Abstract

This article highlights the weakness of the UK's occupational health and safety infrastructure exposed by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Utilising a political economy perspective, it captures the critical role of workplace union safety representatives in mitigating risk and contesting the expropriation of health and recommodification of labour, specifically inadequate sick pay.

Suggested Citation

  • Minjie Cai & Sian Moore & Chris Ball & Matt Flynn & Ken Mulkearn, 2022. "The role of union health and safety representatives during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A case study of the UK food processing, distribution, and retail sectors," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 53(4), pages 390-407, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indrel:v:53:y:2022:i:4:p:390-407
    DOI: 10.1111/irj.12377
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:dau:papers:123456789/7239 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Eve Caroli & Jérôme Gautié & Caroline Lloyd & Annie Lamanthe & Susan James, 2010. "Delivering Flexibility: Contrasting Patterns in the French and the UK Food Processing Industry," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 48(2), pages 284-309, June.
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    5. Alex Bryson, 2016. "Health and safety risks in Britain's workplaces: where are they and who controls them?," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(5-6), pages 547-566, November.
    6. Paul Fenn & Simon Ashby, 2004. "Workplace Risk, Establishment Size and Union Density," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 42(3), pages 461-480, September.
    7. David Walters & Theo Nichols, 2007. "Worker Representation and Workplace Health and Safety," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-0-230-21071-4, December.
    8. Phil James, 2009. "Worker Representation and Health and Safety: Reflections on the Past, Present and Future," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: David Walters & Theo Nichols (ed.), Workplace Health and Safety, chapter 10, pages 201-215, Palgrave Macmillan.
    9. Sian Moore & Stephanie Tailby & Bethania Antunes & Kirsty Newsome, 2018. "‘Fits and fancies’: the Taylor Review, the construction of preference and labour market segmentation," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 49(5-6), pages 403-419, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sian Moore & Minjie Cai & Chris Ball & Matt Flynn, 2023. "Health and Safety Reps in COVID-19—Representation Unleashed?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-18, April.

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